Members of the Ogden Planning Board gave final site plan approval to the proposed Rite Aid at the intersection of Route 31 (Nichols Street) and Route 259 (Union Street) during their regular meeting August 11; however, developers must proceed according to the drawings submitted, which include sewer infrastructure.
Project engineer Tim O’Brien of Ellicott Development had requested for a second time, that the board give approval with only a septic system in place, noting that the Monroe County Health Department had given its approval.
“They would prefer a sewer,” O’Brien told the board, “but because of the extensive cost they are OK with doing septic for now. When there is further development (on the 33 acre site) we will install a sewer system.”
The Rite Aid pharmacy is Phase 1 of the proposed Spencerport Mixed Use Center.
O’Brien said developers were ready to go out to bid on design plans, but with the Planning Board giving approval of plans with sewer infrastructure in place, it is uncertain the project will move forward.
“At this stage it is a waste of money,” O’Brien told the board, regarding the expense of the sewer. “The cost will kill the project.”
O’Brien mentioned the cost of preparing the site for sewers could run more than $500,000. “Rite Aid ain’t gonna pay for that,” he said. “The project can die because of the sewer system.”
Planning Board members have said the Rite Aid could begin with a septic system, but want sewer infrastructure to be put in place at the beginning of the development, enabling tie-in with village sewers at Coleman Avenue once additional development begins.
Building Inspector Patrick Smith read comments from Ogden Highway Superintendent Dave Widger and Ogden Town Engineer John Freel, both of whom were not able to attend the August 11 meeting.
Both stated the project could proceed, but only with the sewer infrastructure in place – as shown in plans submitted to the town. Superintendent Widger was, “adamant that the infrastructure is in place on this piece of property,” Smith said. He explained later in the meeting that town officials are concerned that if the sewer infrastructure is not installed now, it might never get done.
“We appear to be at loggerheads,” Planning Board Chair Gary Parker told O’Brien.
O’Brien told Planning Board members that at this point, developers have not been able to find additional tenants for the Spencerport Mixed Use Center. Currently, Rite Aid is the only tenant. He re-stated that placing sewer infrastructure at this time would be a waste of money for land, “that may never be used.”
Planning Board attorney Keith O’Toole advised that the Planning Board give the final site plan approval with the sewer infrastructure in place, as shown on submitted plans, and with the town’s contingency that a storm water maintenance agreement be provided. O’Toole said O’Brien could take the approval with contingencies back to developers and Rite Aid, who could then decide how to proceed.
